The Hermosa Beach Police Department addressed the “feedback and concern” over a recent social media post showing firearm seizures in the community.
The department’s post showing five guns that were taken off the streets during “five separate proactive traffic stops throughout the city” was published on Monday.
While most comments on the post praised the officers for their actions, some commenters questioned the seizures.
“Do officers just ‘take’ property off the streets or do they seize things for being illegal?” one person asked. “What was illegal about these loaded guns?”
“So you basically stole some guns from people?? Strange flex, but okay,” another person said.
Another user said they hoped the seizures stemmed from “proper stops” and yet another said the situation was an example of “California s—ing on the Second Amendment.”
HBPD, looking to clear the air, posted a statement on social media early Tuesday morning.
“Believe it or not, HBPD does not violate rights or unlawfully seize firearms,” the post starts. “We seize firearms from those who unlawfully possess, transport, conceal or manufacture these weapons to keep Hermosa Beach safe, as well as our neighboring cities.”
The department included what the five arrests were for, but did not disclose exact dates, times or suspect names.
- Carrying a concealed firearm without a valid concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit: California Penal Code Section 25400(a)
- Carrying a loaded firearm in public or in a vehicle: California Penal Code Section 25850(a)
- Transporting a handgun in public without a CCW: California Penal Code Section 25610
Some of the arrestees also faced additional charges for driving under the influence and possessing narcotics, HBPD’s post says.
The department also included the California penal codes that clarify the rules and restrictions for valid CCW holders: California Penal Code sections 26200 and 26230.
“[As a] reminder, out-of-state CCW permits are not valid in California,” Hermosa Beach police advised. “Improper transport or possession of firearms can result in arrest and criminal charges.”
Officials also encouraged residents to learn more about “lawful firearm possession, handling, transporting and manufacturing” while advising those with more time on their hands to familiarize themselves with ghost guns and threaded barrels.
“Ghost guns and threaded barrels are also great light reading topics that can help you understand why HBPD takes the seizing of firearms very seriously,” the department said. “Thank you for all your concerns and continued support.”
The post Hermosa Beach police respond to concerns over firearm seizure social media post appeared first on KTLA.
